INDIAN MUSIC

the musical traditions, forms, and styles of the peoples of the Indian subcontinent. Indian music comprises a wide variety of instrumental and vocal traditions, among which are classical, religious, popular, theatrical, and modern ones. The best-known of these internationally is classical music, however; that of North India (and Pakistan) is called Hindustani music, and that of South India is called Karnatic music. Indian classical music is based on the raga, which is a melodic framework for improvisation based on a given set of notes; and on tala, which is a concept that can be equated with time measure or metre. The music is generally performed by small ensembles of not more than five or six musicians. Improvisation plays a major part in the performance, the most characteristic feature of which is the gradual acceleration of tempo leading to a final climax. The melodic improvisation can be produced by a variety of plucked string instruments such as the sitar or vina; violins; oboelike instruments; or flutes. A droning lutelike instrument called the tamboura meanwhile establishes and maintains the tonic, or ground note, of the composition, while tablas or other small finger-played drums provide a rhythmic accompaniment. Classical music also encompasses a variety of vocal forms, and these too make use of improvisation.